A lot has changed since the last time we featured an episode of the Cover Critic. Both Sony and Nintendo have released new portable game systems, long time companies have shut their doors forever, and the world has been reintroduced to a certain lawyer named Jack Thompson. Heck, even this site you're looking at has changed in many ways. So maybe it's time we take another serious look at video game covers, letting you know which ones we like and which we hate. After two years I invite you to embrace a brand new Cover Critic, one that isn't afraidto tell you what we really think. So enjoy five new covers and one new look!

Capcom Vs. SNK 2: Millionaire Fighters 2001 (Japan)

Before you start reading this review, take a good long look at the next cover. Done? Well, just remember that that COULD have been the cover to Capcom vs. SNK 2. Instead we get this, a reason to try to put everybody on the cover. And really, is Chun Li the star of this game? There is some nice art, and it's placed well ... it's just too full, and not really what I'd hang on the wall. Especially after seeing the next cover!!

Capcom Vs. SNK 2 Fan Disc

Even though it's only the Dreamcast Fan disc this cover takes the cakes as the best cover for the series, PERIOD. It's a beautiful dramatic shot. It has rain, blurry focus, and a background that actually appears in the game (it's the Osaka II stage. It's a sin that this cover wasn't chosen as the Dreamcast/PS2 cover art. A crying shame.

Capcom Vs. SNK 2000 Pro

Who wants to see Dan getting beat up? Yeah, me too ... and that's why this cover kicks ass. And what's better is the comic look. It's almost like they hired some guy off the street to slap together a picture of Dan taking it in the face. That's not a bad thing, I mean, this cover is worlds better than most of the covers in this section.

Capcom Vs. SNK (Japan)

Ever get the feeling this cover was rushed? Capcom and SNK generally have excellent art work, but this cover is just plain boring. It's nicely hand drawn, but doesn't have the "ummph" that Capcom vs. SNK Pro has. Ryu on the cover, by the way, has become cliche and trite ... though I mean that in all the best sense.

Capcom Vs. SNK

Capcom has never given the United States the good cover ... even when the Japanese cover is no gem. This U.S. version of Capcom vs. SNK looks more produced than the Japanese counterpart, but lacks the intensity the cover SHOULD have. Are these two fighting? Or are they on their way to see the remake of 13 Ghosts? Either way this cover is dull and scary.